By MARK CASHMAN

The scars of the battle in the Hunter are there for all to see with Gordon having to rejig their side for the game against West Harbour on Saturday.

Try king Brandon King along with Reece McDonald and Brendan Mitchell will be missing for a few weeks but there is the depth of talent to cope with that number of significant outs.

Wests are on the menu this weekend for the Highlanders and they will have to be in the right frame of mind if they are to get the right result.

Gordon coach Darren Coleman said the injuries were just part of the cut and thrust of footy.

“It was bound to happen as we’d had a dream run to date,” Coleman said.

Wests will be a tough challenge this week at Drummoyne. They are a big team with a very good scrum and will be buoyed after their win on the weekend.

“Sometimes you just need to get that first win to get confidence up and go on and get a score.

“We’ll need to play fast early to trouble them and keep a good eye on their No.9 Dion Spice who I rate quite highly.

“He’s seemingly the heart and soul of their team and a good mind behind that big pack.”

Wests coach Mark Gudmunson said the win over Manly last weekend was a great tonic for not only the first grade side but the club as a whole.

“I think scrums will be a big battle for both sides,” Gudmunson said.

“We have got some good pay in this area over the past couple of weeks, so we will see how that goes and if we can get some again, that will be good.

“They are a team that likes to keep the ball alive in general play, so we need to make sure we lock that up.

“I see us being very forward orientated as always and have plenty of carries like last week.

“Manly were not too far off them the week before, so we should be right in it. They are really well coached and have Super Rugby talent all over the pitch.

“This is a great challenge to see where we are at and how far we have come.”

WEST HARBOUR (1-15):
Sonny Satuala, Tonga Tangitau, Cameron Betham, Etienne Oosthuizen, Jordan Sharp, Damien Flemming, Kaliova Nacina, Francis Iremia Saufio, Dion Spice, Patrick Pellegrini, James Turner, Tavite Gadeisuva, Connor Chittenden, Justin Tuvae, Josh Petero.

GORDON (1-15):
Brandon Faavae-Eli, Mahe Vailanu, Rhys Brodie/John Bosco Tagaloa, Ola Tauelangi/Peter Tagaloa, Jack Margin, Tom Silk/Jack Maguire, Jordy Goddard (c), Harrison Goddard, Rod Iona, Brandon Quinn, Tautalatasi Tasi/Ellis Abrahams, Lucas Price, Ahmu Tuimalealifano, Jaline Graham.

LAST TIME: Gordon W 46-12 July 6, 2019.

IMAGE: JEREMY BRENNAN / WEST HARBOUR